- 81
Italian, 19th century
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description
- Mignon
- inscribed in Gothic lettering: Was har man Dir / Du armes Kind / gethan
- white marble
Condition
Overall the condition of the marble is good. There is some dirt and minor wear consistent with age. There is naturally occuring dark veining visible throughout, including at the drapery at the proper left upper arm. There are chips to the edge of the drapery at the back and the top of the mandolin, and further minor chips around the base.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The inscription on the base of the marble translates as "Poor child, what has befallen thee?" and is a quotation from Mignon's Song, amongst the most famous and influential of Johann Wolfgang Goethe's poems, written in 1795 and appearing in his novel Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship.
The fey and ethereal Mignon is one of the motley band of characters who gather round Wilhelm Meister and shape his journey from youth to manhood. When Wilhelm meets her, Mignon is a child working with the troupe of Italian dancers who stole her from her family. He frees her from her slavery and in return she becomes his adoring companion. Her devotion to Wilhelm is, however, outweighed by her yearning for her native land of Italy, and the sorrow referred to in the song is exile from "the land where the lemons bloom".
Mignon was a popular subject in the art of the 19th century; her song was set to music by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Berlioz.
The fey and ethereal Mignon is one of the motley band of characters who gather round Wilhelm Meister and shape his journey from youth to manhood. When Wilhelm meets her, Mignon is a child working with the troupe of Italian dancers who stole her from her family. He frees her from her slavery and in return she becomes his adoring companion. Her devotion to Wilhelm is, however, outweighed by her yearning for her native land of Italy, and the sorrow referred to in the song is exile from "the land where the lemons bloom".
Mignon was a popular subject in the art of the 19th century; her song was set to music by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Berlioz.